Surnames and Family Research Forum Archive

Joe DAVIS, Grandfather ?

I have been looking for information about my grandfather, my mothers father. He was probably born around 1880 in Virginia. His name was Joe Davis and he, in appearance appeared to be white. It was known that he would go to New York in the winter months and worked on a duck farm, passing as white.

Where he came from originally, I have no idea.

My mother does not know either. How do I go beyond his birth to find his mother who was possibly born into slavery. His mothers name could have been Bell Davis.

I have given thought that he could have been native american and that could be one of the reasons he can't be found. I have been researching my family history for more than 10 years and he is the biggest roadblock. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.